Singer/songwriter

Get a band together. That is the greatest advice I could give you. SoftSynths and workstations will only get you so far. And don't give any lame excuse like, "I always like to be in control" or "I'm not good enough" or, my personal least favorite "I'm too good to work with people who don't know their theory." Post some ads on craigslist or at your local hang out. It takes time to find the right people and you will be a better person AND a better musician for it.

See related post here: http://8bitcollective.com/forums/viewtopic...id=97864#p97864

If you want to mix and layer tracks, a simple 8 or 16 track will be more than adequate. Or a USB/Firewire interface like that MAudio for interfacing with your computer (though MAudio doesn't have the best USB interfaces). And for effects, there are TONS of free VST effects. Don't think you can't get studio grade reverb and such without paying a ton of money. And just something simple like Audacity will allow you to master then mix each track individually (it also supports VST effects). So a USB interface of some sort (with at least two 1/4" line in jacks, preferably) and a decent mic is really all you need. If you can afford it, workstations like the Yamaha Motif are great for your purposes as well and have fantastic sample libraries.

Also, if you need drums or guitar or whatever, you should check out some software sample libraries. East West Quantum Leap makes some of the best sample libraries available. ToonTrack (or something like that) is a great drum software library and Native Instruments Guitar Rig is a great guitar amplifier modeling software.

And finally, what kind of "rock" music are we talking? Real 70s rock, or that post-rock nonsense like Linkin Park or Nickelback? That really has no bearing on this post, I'm just curious. XD

That's about all you need to know about recording you own music. Now go post some ads and get to it!

Thanks for the reply! The music I play is mostly alternative/indie rock and acoustic. I could send you a demo in a pm if you like.

I've said it myself that I need a band. Just the problem is I can only play the keyboard. I dunno if you can understand but since I play guitar and drums using my keyboard what exactly am I gonna do if I get a real drummer and guitarist in my band? I'd just be the guy writing the music saying 'play this, play that'. If only I could play a real guitar then there wouldn't be a problem... but that's the thing, I can't. I have friends who play guitar so I could always ask them for advise but then they're into different music to me so I don't think we'd work out very well as a band...

The software I'm using now is called Mixcraft. It has many tracks to record on and supports some amazing VST plug-ins such as amp emulation and seems to get the job done. I might check out those drums and guitar samples you mentioned.

About the Yamaha Motif... I need a new keyboard now. The one I'm using now I've had for over 4 yrs and the main problem I have with it is the sound quality (I'm using a Yamaha PSR-295 btw). The guitar voices just doesn't realistic enough. So yeah I need a new keyboard and I'll check out the Motif... I'm willing to spend as much as £500.

Lulz. you aren't going to get a whole lot for 500 quid. You'd be better off getting a midi keyboard and some really top-notch VSTi's if that's your budget. Good sampling workstations with real weighted keys, like the Motif, are VERY high-end with a high-end price.

And I thought you played keyboard? Any band can use a good keyboard player (I play keyboards, mostly organ and synthesizer). Also, if you sing then that's something else you can do. Every part of a band is important, even if you may think it's irrelevant. Most of the greatest bands turned to complete shit when even one member of the band left (though that's not always the case). If a band needs a singer or a keyboard player, get in contact with them. You may not always being doing exactly what you want to do, but as long as you communicate and everyone gets their say, you will all be very happy.

Be sure to read that post I linked you to. I said a lot of things in there that I don't feel like typing out again.

And why not pick up a guitar and try to learn? I wanted to learn how to play and I had an old semi-hollow in the attic. Playing guitar is a blast (also much easier to carry around than a console piano or organ XD).

BTW, I'd like to hear a demo. I will not promise I'll enjoy it, but I enjoy listening to other peoples' ideas. That's a great way to grow as a musician, as well. Listen to other peoples' musical ideas and think about how it relates to your own music.